Hyde5-Mail: Why hasn't Wade improved like LeBron?

Q: I read your columns about LeBron being the MVP and how he's improved. It made me think why Dwyane Wade hasn't expanded his game in a similar fashion? --Brooks G., Miramar.

A: Let's look at the stats. Wade is shooting a career-high 52.1 percent - up 2.1 percent from his next best in 2010-11. LeBron and Chris Bosh also are shooting career-high percentages, so the point is they have made an offense that people weren't sure could work do so in a very efficient manner. Wade also has a 5.1 assist average - up from 4.6 the last two years - and 5.0 rebound average - at his career average of 5.1. Now, he's shooting a career-low 72.5 percent on free throws, which is something to note as well. But if you're talking about expanding his game you're looking at the three-point shooting. And you're right there. Wade is shooting 25.8 percent from distance, and he only takes one a game. LeBron has increased his 3-point shooting to 40 percent this year (and improved his inside game last year). You can argue this team has other 3-point shooters and Wade isn't asked to do that. But the reverse can be true, too - with so many 3-point shooters, he could find good space. He didn't get to work on much this off-season because of knee surgery. That's important to note. It's hard for me to question Wade too much when his offensive efficiency is going up as his overall shooting notes. But it's interesting the 3-pointer isn't part of his game at all - and never really has been as his 28.9 career 3-point shooting shows.

Q: (Erik Spoelstra) got outcoached again in Game 1. You writers build him up and at least five or six coaches consistently beat him with much less talent. Thibodeau, Rivers, Woodson are only three of the many that outcoach him. He's middle of the road at best!! - Gerald S.

A: This reverts to Rule No.1 about the Heat: When they win, it's the talent. When they lose, it's the coaching. It's been that way in public conversation since the big three came together. John Wooden once said it's amazing how the difference between smart and dumb in basketball often is a ball sitting on the rim and falling one way and not the other. When the Heat shoot 7-of-24 on three-pointers and their best shooters from distance - Allen, Battier and Miller - are 4-15 on often wide open shots, it's Spoelstra's fault. Of course it is. Does he need to adjust some things in Game 2 (Mario Chalmers can't guard a hot Nate Robinson)? Sure. But let's keep things in some perspective.

Q: You've gone overboard on LeBron. He hasn't put himself in that pantheon you say he has. - Marvin K., Orlando

A: If you're saying MVPs aren't the gauge of a basketball star's legend, I agree with you. It's titles. I wrote that as he got his fourth MVP. But he's the best athlete I've covered. You only get to cover one DiMaggio in your career. As great as Dan Marino was, LeBron is the best I've been around.

Q: How can Steve Ross give half his money to charity at the same time he says he can't fix his stadium? - Bernie W, Sunrise

A: Congrats. You win. You're the first I've heard to criticize someone for giving $2 billion to charity.